A former House of Representatives member, Farah Dagogo, has spoken out against President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of elected leaders in Rivers State, calling it a serious threat to democracy.

Dagogo made this statement at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday. He said Tinubu’s decision to suspend the elected leaders for six months goes against the Constitution. His lawyer presented this point during the court session.

The political crisis in Rivers State started because of a conflict between Governor Sim Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Things got worse, and on March 18, 2025, a state of emergency was declared. After that, President Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers. He then appointed one person to take control of the state.

In response, Dagogo took the matter to court. His lawyer, Barrister Babafemi Adegbite, said Tinubu’s action was both illegal and unconstitutional.

During the hearing, Justice James Omotosho said the court would hear the case fully and fairly. He also instructed that new hearing notices should be sent to two of the people involved who were not present. The case will continue on October 7, 2025.

After the court session, Adegbite spoke to reporters. He criticized the National Assembly for supporting Tinubu’s move. According to him, they are also guilty of damaging democracy in Rivers State.

He added that the President had gone beyond his powers by removing elected leaders and choosing someone who wasn’t elected to run the state.